Agroforestry

The Art of Pairing Wine with Mexican Cuisine

The Art of Pairing Wine with Mexican Cuisine

Consider this your morning briefing: Mexican cuisine’s bold spices and vibrant ingredients demand a wine that’s as dynamic as the dishes themselves. From smoky tacos to tangy salsas, the right pairing can elevate every bite. Here’s how to match wine with Mexican food without overthinking. Mexican cuisine hinges on core elements like corn, chilies, and citrus, which create a sensory landscape ripe for wine’s influence. Think of wine as an ingredient—its acidity, tannins, and fruit can harmonize or contrast with flavors. For example, the smoky, sweet, and spicy layers of tacos al pastor call for a rosé with enough body…
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The Art of Pairing Wine with Chinese Cuisine

The Art of Pairing Wine with Chinese Cuisine

Here’s what you need to know: Pairing wine with Chinese food isn’t about matching flavors—it’s about balancing chaos. Chinese cuisine is a symphony of spice, salt, sweetness, and umami, and wine must step up to the plate. The trick? Let acidity, sweetness, and structure do the heavy lifting. German Riesling, with its zingy acidity and subtle sweetness, is a go-to for everything from fried rice to Kung Pao chicken. It’s like a liquid citrus wedge, cutting through grease and amplifying the dish’s complexity. If you’re craving red, Gamay-based Beaujolais is your ally. Its light body and fruity notes handle everything…
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How to Unlock Champagne’s Hidden Layers

How to Unlock Champagne’s Hidden Layers

If you’ve ever wondered how a wine professional deciphers Champagne’s complexity, start with the bottle of Palmes d’Or—a prestige cuvée from Nicolas Feuillatte, the region’s largest cooperative. This Champagne isn’t just about bubbles; it’s a story written over years of aging. The secret? Tirage, the process of aging on the lees, which transforms the wine into a tapestry of toasted brioche, nutty richness, and caramelized depth. These flavors don’t emerge overnight—they demand patience, often eight or more years, to fully unfold. Tasting Champagne isn’t about sipping and moving on. It’s about slowing down. Begin by observing the effervescence—how the bubbles…
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The Art of Pairing Wine with Middle Eastern Flavors

The Art of Pairing Wine with Middle Eastern Flavors

Here’s what you need to know: Middle Eastern cuisine is a masterclass in balance—herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients create a tapestry of flavors that demand more than just a casual wine match. Hummus, falafel, and grilled kebabs aren’t just dishes; they’re flavor profiles that thrive when paired with wines that complement their texture, acidity, and depth. The key is to let the wine enhance, not overpower, the dish. Take hummus, for instance. Its creamy garlic base and tangy tahini can feel heavy without the right wine. A medium-bodied dry rosé or an aromatic white like Albariño cuts through the richness,…
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San Antonio’s Coffee Festival Unveils 2026’s Best Roasters and Must-Try Brews

San Antonio’s Coffee Festival Unveils 2026’s Best Roasters and Must-Try Brews

Pour yourself a cup for this one: The San Antonio Coffee Festival is back, and this year’s lineup is a masterclass in specialty coffee. Returning to Hemisfair’s Civic Park on February 7, the event promises 80+ coffee varieties, live music, art installations, and workshops that’ll make you rethink your relationship with the bean. For coffee purists and casual sippers alike, it’s a chance to taste, learn, and connect with the city’s thriving roastery scene. This isn’t just about the coffee—it’s about the stories behind it. Pulp Coffee Roasters, the OGs of San Antonio’s specialty scene, bring decades of craft roasting…
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A Global Resource for Shade-Grown Coffee Research

A Global Resource for Shade-Grown Coffee Research

Listen up: Coffee Watch and CATIE just dropped a game-changer for the industry. On January 19, 2026, the Coffee Agroforestry E-Library launched as the first open-access database compiling decades of scientific research on shade-grown coffee—a practice that’s not just sustainable, but essential for the future of coffee farming. This platform unites studies from across the globe, spanning multiple languages and disciplines, into a single, searchable hub. It’s a seismic shift for a sector grappling with climate threats, biodiversity loss, and economic instability. Agroforestry isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline. Shade-grown coffee systems integrate trees with crops, creating ecosystems that…
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